Description
Dodonaea viscosa or Akeake is a hardy shrub or small tree. It is widespread, even worldwide and easily grown from seed. Akeake grows from coastal to lowland forest, occupying various habitats from beaches through coastal scrub to lowland forest, but rarely is the dominant species. While it is found frequently on the Port Hills, there are arguments that it is not naturalised there and is present due to how easily it self-seeds from gardens.
Dodonaea viscosa has light green leaves, and papery, creamy seed capsules. These papery flower clusters have an ornamental effect in summer. The bark on older specimens is flakey and papery. It naturally may grow purple leaves that revert to green as the tree ages, some plants exhibit both colours when young. Responds well to trimming for a hedge.
Thrives in nearly all conditions, making it ideal for restoration projects from the coast to lowland forest. Plant in well-drained soils. Avoid frosts when young. Avoid planting in fire-risk areas. A similarly fast-growing species that works well for hedging and presents a low fire risk is Coprosma robusta.
